What's the difference between draft and conscription???

Question

I KNOW there is one, I just don't know what it is.

Answer 1

They are both very similar, essentially a person is forced to go to war whether they wish to, or not.  Draft implies a drawing, but is still considered to be "conscription"- as a person has no choice in the matter.

DRAFT: a selection or drawing of persons, by lot or otherwise, from the general body of the people for military service; levy; conscription.

CONSCRIPTION:  1. compulsory enrollment of persons for military or naval service; draft.

2. a compulsory contribution of money to a government during a time of war.

Answer 2

In common usage they mean the same thing.

To be technical though:

Conscription is forcing someone into military service.

The draft is the process that chooses the people to be conscripted.

"Draft" has come to mean both of the above.

Answer 3

Ok,

A draft, allows the military to conscript enough people, to meet the manning levels of the military, as set by Congress, if there are not enough volunteers.

So if we had a draft right now, no one would actually be drafted, since we already have enough volunteers.

Conscription on the other hand, means every eligible person, at a certain age, must serve a certain period of time, in the Military.

It is a national service plan, where everyone must serve.

Even during WW ll and Vietnam, the percentage of males drafted, was very low, compared to the male population.

In Vietnam, less than 6% of the draft eligible males, were actually drafted.

Or another way to look at it,

Right now, the US has around 1.5 million members in the active duty military.

But if we had a two year conscription,

The military would have over 9 million service members.

Answer 4

I'll say draft is a lottery per-say.  Your number gets pick you go.  Conscription is mandatory you go, unless unfit to serve.